Welcome to the College Events Webpage!
Please refer to TC's events policy & process page
Review our Event Planning Checklist for samples and tips that will help you navigate internal policies and processes.
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6-12 Months Before An Event
To Do: Getting Started
When you have the idea for an event, get approvals from your department before you book space or extend any invitations to speakers or guests.
Familiarize yourself with the policies related to events:
Room Assignments & Event Management Policy |
Special Events Approval Policy |
Alcohol Policy |
Minors on Campus Policy |
Use of Russell Upper Courtyard Policy |
Good to Know: What costs money at TC?
- Catering
- Media Services
- Public Safety (not all events)
- Supplies
- Facilities (outside typical business hours including weekends)
Good to Know: Staff Plans
Due to the size and composition of TC's campus, it is often the case that events require a significant amount of staff for the following:
- Registration
- Greeting
- Directing guests & speakers to various rooms
- Timekeeping
- & More
It's important to determine if you have enough staff to support your event before you decide to move forward. Here are sample Staff Plans to get you started on thinking through your staffing needs.
To Do: Space Booking
- Use 25Live to book your rooms for internal events
- TC Dining Hall: is used as one of CU Dining's official food service locations for students who take part in a meal plan. As a result, the Dining Hall is in use daily and has limited windows for events bookings. Please contact DeWayne White to request permission to book the TC Dining Hall. kdw10@tc.columbia.edu
- Library Rooms: Book rooms in the Library through LibCal
- Smith Learning Theater: Book space by completing this request form
- The Tudor Room (GDH271) & RUS104B send an email with the request: date, time, and description of the event to library@tc.columbia.edu. Here are the recommended guidelines for the Tudor Room.
- Russell Upper Courtyard: is reservable in 25Live via Room Assignments. The Upper Courtyard is available to be used for events Monday to Thursday between the hours of 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and on Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Good to Know
- TC is very busy in the spring semester and during the summer
- Classrooms typically not approved until after the add/drop period
- Pick more than 1 date if you can’t get rooms you need
- Book rooms ASAP
- Book rooms for furniture storage (set-up dependent)
- Be sure you have enough time to set up your space
3 Months Before An Event
To Do: Design & Promotion
- Request design and/or marketing support for your event from TC Gen
- Request access to alumni mailing lists
- Include event accommodation language on your invitation and registration form.
One Month Out
To Do: Ordering Catering
Columbia Dining is the College's exclusive caterer with on-site staff to providing both drop-off service and full-scale events.
View catering menus to get a flavor of the options available or contact the team directly to talk through any creative ideas or customizations you would like to make. Orders can be conveniently made online at teacherscolumbia.catertrax.com
For inquiries, email tcdining@tc.columbia.edu.
To Do: Make an Accessibility Plan
- Make an Accessibility Plan Visit the OASID webpage to learn more about steps to take to ensure your event is accessible to all
3-6 Weeks Before An Event
To Do: Order Supplies
Now is the time to make sure you have all the supplies you need to make your event a success.
2 Weeks Before An Event
To Do: Send Briefings
Send briefings to your speakers and members of the College Leadership Team at least 5 business days prior to your program.
To Do: Facilities Work Orders
- Submit a Work Order at least (14) business days before your event.
Good to Know
- Room set up samples
- Classroom furniture cannot be removed
- Facilities contact
- Glenford Thomas | Custodial & Housekeeping Supervisor
- Office: (212) 678-8345
To Do: Media Services Request
- Submit a media reservation at least (14) business days before your event to secure equipment and staffing
Good to Know
- TCIT Event Services Information
- Rudy Caba | Event Technology Specialist
- Office: (212) 678-6620
To Do: Public Safety Request
- Please submit your event requests 14 days in advance.
- Public Safety contact
- Yeremy Chavez | Director of Public Safety Administration and Systems
- Office: (212) 678-3335
- If you are hosting an event with external guests, be sure to submit your full list to Public Safety 72 hours prior to your event start time.
The Day Before
To Do: Pack Your Supplies
- Pack everything you need the day before to reduce the time spent running back to the office for forgotten supplies.
- If you are using multiple spaces, pack by space.
- Here are some sample supply lists to get you started.
After An Event
To Do: After the Event
- Final budget, pay all bills
- Write up debriefing notes to help in next year’s planning (samples)
- Send thank you email to volunteers & staff
- Send thank you letter to speakers